BROUGHT TO YOU BY
We are grateful for our advertisers. Become one today
TGIF everyone! While city officials had originally hoped to reopen the Aquatic Center by the end of January, they said this week that construction delays have pushed the timeline closer to the end of this month. The good news: plans are already coming together for a community grand reopening event on April 4 — so consider this your early save-the-date.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Jump In The Pool" by Friendly Fires
Leading Off
An aerial shot of the Westin Desert Willow Villas. (Photo: Westin Vacation Club)
Desert Willow timeshare project gets 6-month extension
The Palm Desert Planning Commission approved a six-month extension for the decades-old Desert Willow Westin timeshare project Tuesday. The development agreement between the city and WVC Rancho Mirage, Inc., now runs through Aug. 27.
Driving the news: The extension prevents the previous development agreement from expiring at the end of February and serves as a stopgap measure while the city and developer negotiate a potential longer-term extension.
Looking back: The resort club and timeshare project received initial approval in 1997 with plans for up to 300 two-bedroom units within 18 multi-story buildings.
Between 2009 and 2017, 220 units were completed in 13 buildings.
In 2015, the developer and city agreed to a roughly 10-year extension on the development agreement.
What's next: The final five buildings have cleared lots but construction hasn't started yet. The city and developer will use the six-month window to work out details for a longer extension.
Briefly
A sign greets visitors to Baja Park, where the city hopes to install not only more shade but also signs identifying the plant species along the path.
⛲ Committee hears of progress for parks projects
Palm Desert parks officials reported progress Tuesday on improvement projects citywide, including completed maintenance at Civic Center Park, Washington Charter Park and Freedom Park, where volleyball nets, playground surfacing, turf repairs and tree trimming have been finished.
Construction continues at Cahuilla Hills Park with completion expected in April, while restroom upgrades are underway at Palma Village Park including a baby changing station. The Baja Park project is in the construction documents phase with approximately 75% plans under review and a construction budget allocated for this fiscal year.
Bottom line: Committee members discussed design plans for Freedom Park's fitness areas and accessibility improvements, and staff will present the next round of park assessment updates covering January through March progress later this spring.
🎓 California Indian Nations College earns full accreditation
California Indian Nations College in Palm Desert has received eight-year accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, making it California's only fully accredited tribal college. The commission announced its decision in January after reviewing the college's follow-up report and materials.
The college was chartered by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in 2017 to address higher education access for Native American students in California, which has one of the largest Native American populations in the country. The institution offers associate degree programs with culturally responsive curriculum for both Native and non-Native students.
Bottom line: The accreditation places the college among regionally accredited institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education, with its next midterm report due in September 2029.
A MESSAGE FROM THE LIVING DESERT
Pride for the Pride is a community-driven initiative uniting LGBTQ+ people and allies to help introduce African lions at The Living Desert. Support for Lion Ridge will create an immersive habitat that inspires learning, connection, and lasting conservation impact in the Coachella Valley.
📅 Featured Events
Ed Hastey Garden Walk
Today | 10 a.m. | National Monument Visitor Center
Enjoy strolling the Ed Hastey Garden Walk led by Friends’ volunteer docent. It is a great introduction to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit our desert, and the value of urban conservation.
Women in STEAM Career Day
Saturday | 10 a.m. | The Living Desert
The Living Desert invites students K–12 to our 4th annual Women in STEAM Career Day, celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Meet inspiring women in fields like conservation, animal care, engineering, IT, and more, and participate in hands-on STEAM activities. ($40)
28th Annual Concert Series
Saturday | 5:30 p.m. | The Gardens on El Paseo
This series has brought together music and giving to unite the community for over two decades. Since the concert’s inception, The Gardens has been able to help raise more than $1 Million for those in need. This concert is “Heart of Rock & Roll” (Huey Lewis Tribute) benefiting Voices for Children. ($34)
Birding Walk-About
Tuesday | 8 a.m. | Desert Willow Golf Resort
Grab your binoculars and join a volunteer docent birding expert to look for our feathered desert residents. As you walk the perimeter of an open desert property adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 1-mile walk-about. RSVP required and no dogs are allowed. ($5 suggested donation)
Palm Desert City Council
Thursday | 4 p.m. | Council Chambers
City Council Meetings are held in person, but you can participate or watch the meeting via a live-stream. To view or speak at the meeting, please use the following link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us/
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
📣 And Finally …
The swim lanes at Palm Desert Aquatic Center might see some Olympic athletes in them some day. (File photo)
Could Palm Desert play a small role in an upcoming Olympics? It’s looking possible, as the city's aquatic facility is reportedly being eyed as a training facility for athletes preparing for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Driving the news: Councilmember Karina Quintanilla told the Parks and Recreation Committee on Tuesday that an unnamed country has expressed interest in using the city's Olympic-qualifying pool as a training venue ahead of the games, which run from July 14 to July 30, 2028.
The inquiry came through Visit Greater Palm Springs, which has been coordinating with Olympic organizers.
Why it matters: The potential arrangement would bring international recognition to Palm Desert's aquatic facility and showcase the quality of the city's recreational infrastructure.
The 2028 Games will bring more than 15,000 elite athletes to Los Angeles and across the United States, marking the city's third time hosting the Olympics.
The bigger picture: Los Angeles organizers are planning a historic, sustainable celebration using only existing and temporary venues, with events spreading beyond the city to manage traffic and accommodate the massive influx of athletes and spectators.
MADE POSSIBLE BY
In Case You Missed It
EXPLORE & SUBSCRIBE
We deliver free news to communities throughout the Coachella Valley and a roundup on Saturdays. Click below to subscribe to our other newsletters!
👏 Want your message to reach our subscribers? Contact us here.
🙋♀️ Want to know what The Post is all about? Read this.